Germans are debating whether to allow the celebration of Islamic holidays at the state level in areas where large numbers of Muslims live.

The discussions come after the interior minister endorsed the idea on October 10.

Thomas De Maiziere, a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) which won federal elections last month, made his comments during a campaign rally for state elections in Lower Saxony in the country's northwest.

"I'm willing to talk about the possibility of introducing Islamic holidays," de Maiziere said.

According to the German constitution, all 16 states can decide on their own which religious public holidays are celebrated.

"In areas where a lot of Catholics live, we celebrate All Saint's Day, and in areas where not a lot of Catholics live we don't celebrate All Saint's Day. So why can't we think about Islamic holidays as well?" said de Maiziere.

Currently, for example, fewer than five states celebrate the Catholic Assumption of Mary holiday and the Christian Epiphany.

The only holiday under federal law - meaning all states must mark the occasion - is Germany Unity Day, during which the reunification of Germany is celebrated.

"But in general, our holidays are Christian and that will remain like that," De Maiziere added. "They shape us and it will remain like that."